"This is 10 billion won cheaper." Hanwha Kang Baek-ho finished yesterday → Today's two-run shot... "The value of a definite fixer." [the site of a war]

*This content was translated by AI.

Up to 10 billion won for four years. When Kang Baek-ho (27, Hanwha Eagles) was first recruited, controversy over pay arose. It was due to the evaluation that he is a player who has a clear batting talent but is ambiguous in defense utilization. However, in just two games, he proved that he was well worth 10 billion won.

Kang Baek-ho started as the fifth designated hitter in the 2026 Shinhan SOL KBO League home game against the Kiwoom Heroes at Hanwha Life Ball Park in Daejeon on the 29th and hit a two-run home run in the bottom of the third inning.

Kang Baek-ho, who had been silent the previous day with no hits in five at-bats, won the team with his second career walk-off hit in the bottom of the 11th inning, which sparked home fans who filled the stadium with his first home run since the transfer.

Ahead of this season, Kang Baek-ho moved to Hanwha through a four-year free agent (FA) contract of up to 10 billion won.

He made his professional debut as an outfielder and won the Rookie of the Year award by showing off his hot batting, but he has suffered ups and downs since 2022 and has not found his place even after going through the first baseman and catcher.

Hanwha's position utilization was said to be ambiguous because Chae Eun-sung, who transformed from outfielder to first baseman. Some said that the ransom of 10 billion won seems a little excessive because the use of players will inevitably decrease.

However, after just two games, some have changed their views. Kang Baek-ho, who had a walk-off hit in the bottom of the 11th inning, met with reporters and said, "(To Noh Si-hwan), even if we can't hit five times, we can turn it around if we hit once, so let's try it together. I said this was supposed to be done by a franchise star, but I also had a chance because he played well in front of me," he said. "Actually, I don't usually get nervous, but I was so nervous and I still don't know what I'm saying. I had a really good day and had fun. I can still sleep," he said with a smile.

Kang Baek-ho, who shook off the burden of the first game, struck out in his first at-bat, but it was different in his second at-bat.

In the bottom of the third inning, when the team was leading 3-2, he hit Ha Young-min's first fork ball and hit a two-run home run over the left-center fence. Kang Baek-ho, his teammates, and his fans were all happy with his first home run in Hanwha's uniform.

In the end, Ha Young-min was immediately replaced. Kiwoom, which used seven pitchers the previous day, started the bullpen early, increasing the burden. Kang Baek-ho is clearly showing in just two games what positive effects one solid solver can bring to the team.

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*This content was translated by AI.